What are the best practices for containerizing a Node.js application?

What are the best practices for containerizing a Node.js application?

When containerizing a Node.js application, consider the following best practices: 1. Use a lightweight base image like Alpine. 2. Multi-stage builds to reduce image size. 3. Keep your Dockerfile clean and organized. 4. Use environment variables for configuration. 5. Ensure proper health checks.

Can you explain multi-stage builds?

Multi-stage builds allow you to use multiple FROM statements in your Dockerfile. This helps in separating the build environment from the production environment, resulting in smaller final images.

What should I include in my Dockerfile?

Your Dockerfile should include the base image, install dependencies, copy your application code, set environment variables, and define the command to run your application.

How do I handle environment variables?

You can handle environment variables in Docker by using the ENV instruction in your Dockerfile or by passing them at runtime using the -e flag with docker run.